The Las Vegas Raiders group of wide receivers are under the microscope this week in the final days before the team is required to set its initial 53-man roster on Sunday afternoon.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak recently fueled speculation about the unit last week when he said the group took a step backward in Week 2 of the preseason and it needs players to step up for the regular season. Let’s look at where the unit stands:
Safe:
Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech.
You can question whether this tope
three is good enough to help win games in the regular season. But these players should be part of the mic for sure.
Likely safe:
Malik Benson.
The sixth-round pick had two drops at Houston. But he’s had an otherwise strong summer and it would be somewhat stunning if he doesn’t make the roster. He’d need a really bad final preseason game Thursday.
On the bubble:
Dont’e Thronton, Shedrick Jackson, Brandon Johnson, EJ. Williams, Chase Roberts. Dareke Young, Deven Thompkins, Phillip Dorsett.
The Raiders will likely keep five or six wide receivers and special teams play will be a factor in the final decisions. Thornton, a fourth-round pick last year who had a big role to start the season, is in real danger of being cut. He has been hurt for some time and was not impressive before then.
Outside help:
The Raiders could try to trade for a receiver with the free-agent market very thin at this point. Watch the waiver wire Monday. Las Vegas has the No. 1 waiver priority to start the season and they could be very active next week.
